Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing

At the University of Bridgeport School of Education, we focus on giving our graduates the knowledge and preparation they need to become great educators – people who challenge and inspire their students to dream bigger, reach farther and achieve more. Graduate students may work toward a Master of Science in Elementary Education or Master of Science in Secondary Education. Students may attend as full-time or part-time enrollees. UB is home to the first tuition-paid internship program in the country and trains more Connecticut teachers than any other school in the state. M.S. degree classes are available in Bridgeport, Stamford, or Waterbury. UB works closely with 60+ school districts in Connecticut and Westchester, NY.

Program Options

Tuition-Paid Internship - Option

• Save over $20,000 in tuition
• Accelerated Program - Complete your master's degree in ten months
• You take classes at least two to three nights a week
• UB's School of Education arranges your internship placement
• You intern full-time in a cooperating school during the day for an entire calendar year
• You pay only for books and fees

Traditional Student - Option

• Participate in fieldwork at a local school of your choice
• Complete the program at your own pace, usually in two or more years
• You are responsible for all program tuition, fees and books

Residency (Student) Teaching Placement

(Please note: The Residency (Student) Teaching Placement is not covered under the Tuition-Paid Internship – Option)

You must complete six credits (60 days or 12 weeks) of residency (student) teaching for Connecticut certification. Your student teaching placement is made through the School of Education and is supervised by university staff.

Education Certification Tracks

• Elementary Education (M.S. or Sixth Year Certificate)
• Secondary Education (M.S. or Sixth Year Certificate)
• Educational Administration and Supervision (Sixth Year Certificate - 092)
• Remedial Reading & Remedial Language Arts (Sixth Year Certificate - 102)
• Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

This 33 credit graduate course of study provides extensive course work and experiences in working with students in the field of literacy and language arts, leading to the initial educator certification in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts (102) for grades 1-12.

Program Objectives

The Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts Certificate or Sixth Year program focuses on working with students in a variety of instructional settings for the purpose of teaching literacy processes, for evaluating students in reading and language arts, and for developing and evaluating literacy programs. In this program, students learn to create appropriate literacy instruction for learners experiencing difficulty in reading and language arts. Upon completion of this program, students may apply for the Connecticut initial educator certificate in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts, 1-12.

The Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing at the University of Bridgeport offers students a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum designed to develop their skills in both traditional literary analysis and creative expression. This program aims to cultivate critical thinking, effective communication, and an appreciation for diverse literary genres and styles. Throughout their studies, students engage with a wide range of texts from classic to contemporary authors, analyzing themes, historical contexts, and stylistic techniques that shape literature across cultures and time periods.

In addition to literary studies, the program emphasizes hands-on creative writing, providing students with opportunities to craft poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama under the guidance of experienced faculty. Students learn to refine their writing skills through workshops, peer reviews, and individual mentorship, fostering a supportive environment for artistic growth. The curriculum incorporates courses in literary theory, composition, and rhetoric, equipping students with the tools necessary to interpret texts critically and communicate effectively across various media.

The program also encourages interdisciplinary exploration, allowing students to integrate elements of media, journalism, and digital storytelling into their work. With a flexible elective structure, students can tailor their academic journey to align with their interests and career aspirations, whether they aim to pursue graduate studies, become published authors, or work in writing, editing, or communications industries.

Throughout the program, students have access to valuable resources, including campus writing centers, literary events, and internship opportunities, that enhance their educational experience and prepare them for professional success. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing are well-equipped with the literary knowledge, creative skills, and critical abilities necessary for a wide range of careers in publishing, education, media, and the arts. The program’s commitment to fostering creativity, analytical skills, and a love for literature makes it an ideal choice for students passionate about language and storytelling.

Program Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing at the University of Bridgeport requires students to complete a total of 120 credit hours, including general education, major coursework, and electives. Students must fulfill foundational courses in English literature, composition, and language studies during their first two years. Majors are expected to take core courses in creative writing, literary theory, and advanced prose and poetry workshops to develop their writing skills and analytical abilities. Interaction with faculty occurs through seminars, individual mentorship, and portfolio reviews to foster growth as writers and scholars. Elective courses may include specialized topics such as modern American literature, multicultural literature, film studies, and publishing. To graduate, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, complete a senior project or thesis in creative writing, and participate in departmental activities. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, encouraging students to publish their work and participate in literary events and contests. Internships and internship credits in publishing houses, literary magazines, or media organizations are also available and encouraged to enhance professional preparedness. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in writing, editing, publishing, teaching, or further graduate studies. Throughout the program, students are expected to develop a robust portfolio demonstrating their diverse skills in creative writing and literary analysis. The coursework combines traditional literary studies with contemporary creative practices, ensuring graduates are well-equipped with both critical and creative competencies. With a broad concentration, students are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary approaches to literature and writing, fostering innovation and critical thinking. The program aims to produce graduates who are articulate, creative, and analytically rigorous, ready to contribute to literary culture or undertake advanced academic pursuits.

The University of Bridgeport offers a variety of financial aid options to support students pursuing degrees in English and Creative Writing programs. Prospective students are encouraged to explore federal and state financial aid opportunities, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which provides access to grants, loans, and work-study programs. The university participates in federal Pell Grants, which do not require repayment and are awarded based on financial need. Additionally, students can apply for institutional scholarships and grants offered directly by the University of Bridgeport, which include merit-based awards for academic excellence, creative achievement, and potential.

The university also provides various private scholarship opportunities, which students can access through external organizations or creative writing foundations that support emerging writers and literary scholars. Loan programs, such as Federal Direct Loans, are available to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and educational materials. The university’s financial aid office offers personalized counseling to assist students in understanding their options, completing application processes, and managing repayment plans after graduation.

Work-study programs are also available to eligible students, providing part-time employment opportunities on campus to support their educational expenses. The financial planning services at the University of Bridgeport aim to help students develop budgets, explore payment plans, and understand the long-term financial implications of their educational investment.

International students pursuing the English and Creative Writing programs can also access specific scholarship programs, though these are limited and highly competitive. The university encourages early application for financial aid and scholarship consideration to maximize funding opportunities. Overall, the university is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable, supporting students through a comprehensive suite of financial resources.

The University of Bridgeport offers a comprehensive program in Creative Writing designed to cultivate students' skills in storytelling, poetry, and prose. This program emphasizes both the artistic and professional aspects of writing, providing students with opportunities to develop their voice, style, and technical proficiency through rigorous coursework, workshops, and individual feedback. Students in the Creative Writing program have access to experienced faculty members who are published authors and specialists in various genres, including fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and scriptwriting. The curriculum is structured to foster creative exploration while also preparing students for diverse careers in writing, publishing, teaching, and media.

In addition to traditional classroom instruction, the program encourages participation in literary events, readings, and internships, which help students build networks within the literary community and gain practical experience. The university's facilities include dedicated writing labs and a well-resourced library with extensive literary collections, supporting creative research and experimentation. Enrollment in the program allows students to refine their craft through workshops, craft classes, and collaborative projects. Many graduates have gone on to publish their work in magazines, anthologies, and literary journals, or to pursue advanced degrees in writing or related fields. The University of Bridgeport’s Creative Writing program aims to develop insightful, innovative writers equipped to contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape.